Discharge Instructions for Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Discharge Instructions for Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Your doctor performed a uterine fibroid embolization. Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors. Uterine artery embolization is a way to stop the blood supply to the tumor without doing surgery. A doctor injects small plastic particles into the blood vessel that supplies blood to the fibroid tumor. During the procedure, your doctor made an incision at your groin. A thin tube called a catheter was threaded through a blood vessel in your leg to your uterus. Here's what to do at home following this procedure.

Activity

Limit your activity for 2 days after the procedure.

Ask a friend or family member to stay with you as you rest in bed or on the couch.

Gradually increase your activities during the week after the procedure.

Don’t drive for 24 hours.

Don’t climb stairs for 2 days after the procedure.

Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 1 week after the procedure.

Don’t bend at the waist for 2 days.

Ask your doctor when you can return to work.

Other Home Care

Don’t be alarmed by vaginal discharge that is grayish or brown in color. This is from the breakdown of the fibroid tumor and is expected.

Expect your next two or three periods to be heavier than usual.

Take your medications as directed. Don’t skip doses.

Unless otherwise directed, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to prevent dehydration and to help flush your body of the dye that was used during the procedure.

Take your temperature and check your incision site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or warmth) every day for a week.

Avoid swimming or sitting in the bath until the doctor removes your sutures. You may shower the day after the procedure.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

Constant or increasing pain or numbness in your leg

Fever above 100.5 (38.0°C) °F or other signs of infection (redness, swelling or warmth at the incision site)

Shortness of breath

A leg that feels cold or looks blue

Bleeding, bruising, or large swelling where the catheter was inserted.